Samuel Omang
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday returned to the state after weeks of political tension, arriving at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at exactly 11:50 a.m.
His return came two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State and ordered his reinstatement as governor.
On hand to receive him at the airport were a large crowd of political associates, former commissioners, party loyalists, and traditional supporters. Among them were former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara; and former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Others present included former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi; former President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese; former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as former council chairmen of Port Harcourt City, Ezebunwo Ichemati, and Obio/Akpor, among others.
Supporters, many dressed in party colors and carrying banners, cheered loudly as the governor stepped out of the aircraft. Cultural troupes and youth groups performed dances at the VIP wing of the airport to mark his return.
Fubara’s reinstatement followed weeks of uncertainty in Rivers State after the declaration of emergency rule, which suspended political office holders. His return is expected to calm tensions, though political watchers say the power tussle in the state is far from over.
More details are expected as the governor makes his way to Government House in Port Harcourt.